Former New College Stamford student and MasterChef semi-finalist, Aaron Ashmore, will take over Puccinis Italian

MasterChef 2012 semi-finalist, Aaron Ashmore, will be taking over an Puccinis Italian restaurant.

Aaron attended New College Stamford where he completed a level 2 with BTEC catering course.

He said: "It gave the very building blocks you need for where I am now.

"Stamford College definitely gives you a foundation to build on."

"Opening a restaurant was my goal and dream."

A few months into his level 3 NVQ, Aaron secured a job with the world-renowned chef, Gordon Ramsey.

Whilst getting a book signed at a BBC Good Food Show, Aaron put his CV into the front page of Ramsey's book.

He was then offered a trial shift before securing a full-time job working for him.

Since then, Aaron - who previously lived in Market Deeping - has spent 'a rollercoaster of ten years' in London working with some of the countries top chefs in Michelin star restaurants.

Puccinis, located in Conningsby, will cook fresh food with a modern Italian influence.

Aaron, 28, said: "It will be simple, honest and tasty food.

"I want to bring freshness and flavour but it still be affordable."

He added: "I want it to be peoples first choice as they know the quality of the food."

Aaron will run the restaurant as it currently is for a week - commencing November 18 - before changing its menu on November 26.

He said: "Obviously I'm very excited but it's very nerve-racking.

"I'm feeling the pressure to make sure it's right"

Aaron's mother, Diane Johnson, said: "I feel just like any mother would.

"He's come such a long way, I'm extremely proud."

Tripadvisor's best place to dine in the United Kingdom.